Legislation

The Traffic Signs Manual is a comprehensive publication from the Department for Transport (DfT). There are eight chapters in total, each of which details a specific Traffic sign topic; Chapter 8 deals with road works and temporary situations and is in two parts:

At over 550 pages long, Chapter 8 is a very through reference document and therefore very much targeted at those with a solid understanding of traffic management principles. A less intimidating (100 pages only), simple-to-follow summary of Chapter 8 can be found in the DfT's Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice - widely referred to as the 'Red Book'.

Although Chapter 8 has no statutory force, it is strongly recommended by the DfT that compliance with Chapter 8 is enforced by Local Authorities and any other organisations responsible for public roads. Consequently, compliance with Chapter 8 is invariably deemed a condition of contract.

Whilst the red book is an unambiguous summary of Chapter 8, there is however one very important detail on which the two documents differ;

Q: What size signs should be used on an unrestricted single carriageway?

A: Chapter 8 states 900mm whereas the Red Book quotes 750mm.

Consider: An unrestricted single carriageway will invariably be a rural road and consequently sight lines of the road ahead will be obstructed by bends in the road, hills & valleys.

In addition it is likely that such a road will not have any streetlights or any provisions for pedestrians.

Conclusion: A 900mm sign is significantly more visible than a 750mm equivalent - particularly at night, or in low-light conditions - which is vitally important given the increased vehicle speeds on unrestricted roads, and thus provides the greater protection to workers, motorists and pedestrians alike.